From cynicism to heartfelt hope...yeah...hope.

Cynicism
1. They chanted "Na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye" to George Bush from the west lawn of the capital as he arrived...nice, respectful.
2. I have never seen so many people (including George Bush the daddy) not praying when there is a public prayer (during Rick Warren's prayer). So many people looking around, not paying attention, and the applause? You don't erupt in applause at a time like that? And don't tell me it's a charismatic or "Pentecostal' thing. It just gave me the feeling that God really isn't important to a lot of the people in Washington (hardly a bulletin).
3. Speaking of Warren. Really? A goatee? Why didn't he just rock a tech vest?
4. Reid, Pelosi, Feinstein make me want to fight.
5. Hillary tries to fight Sen. Cornyn in the Rotunda during lunch? Does she get three days out of school for that?
6. Kennedy and Byrd go down at the same lunch? I actually felt bad for Obama.
7. No one mentioned the single largest plunge in the stock market for an inauguration day. I suppose he is not wall streets savior. Yet, the networks shan't mention that.
8. $70 million for Bush was excessive but $170 for this inauguration is not news.
9. I'm nitpicking here but I didn't like Michele's olive gloves...I'm just saying and I felt I should get this to ten.
10. IT REALLY BUGS ME (LIKE, ALL IN CAPS BUGS ME) THAT PEOPLE CHANT, "OBAMA". PLEASE PEOPLE, CHANT, "USA USA". HE IS NOT BIGGER THAN THE POSITION, HE HAS BEEN ELECTED TO SERVE, THE COUNTRY HE REPRESENTS, OR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED BEFORE HIM. USA USA USA!

Now, to transition. His children were adorable. I liked Rick Warrens prayer. I was glad to hear the President say that it is the individual's responsibility to help get our country back on it's feet collectively and as individuals and to not wait for the government to save us. I kind of felt good for Biden in some weird kind of way. Maybe it's because we won't see him for the next 4-8 years.

And on to hope. To see that many people excited for our country and to be a part of it's revival is amazing. The social significance would not be lost on even Archie Bunker. Yet, more than that (if it's ok that I say that) I am moved by the hope that others have. I hope it's not another example of how we come together for a while and then go backwards (think back to how patriotic we all were after 9/11 and how it all fizzled into nothing). I do not believe that the President has the right ideas and/or policies to move us forward. I agree with him in almost nothing. He is my President and I will recognize him as such and support him when I agree with him. My hope though, lies in the 2 million in attendance that day and the millions who are excited for this administration and for this country for the first time in their lives. My prayer is that they remain committed to their part in supporting this country even when this administration begins to make it look more like Europe and less like the founding fathers intended it to be. My hope is in America. She is resilient and strong. I hope her spirit moves through those excited today and fuels them far beyond the rhetoric and excitement of a new administration.

And lastly, there was one man who got it right today. He put it all into perspective. He gets priorities. He understands that we are on the precipice of something monumental. He is ready. He support this cause. See how awesome he is here.